What They Are Saying: Kansas Providers Applaud Sen. Moran’s Efforts to Secure Funding for Rural Hospitals

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) yesterday announced the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Kansas' application to allow Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and Rural Emergency Hospitals (REHs) to receive enhanced payments through the state's provider assessment program. During negotiations on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last year, Sen. Moran made certain Kansas rural hospitals could receive increased Medicaid reimbursements. A recent RAND study showed that Kansas will take in more revenue because of the legislation.

Amberwell Health CEO Jared Abel:
"Approval of the increased Medicaid funding model ensures Amberwell Health can provide access to essential, high-quality healthcare in the communities we serve. The approval of enhanced Medicaid reimbursements not only strengthens operations at Amberwell, but it allows us to move forward with significant investments into our organization, including new state-of-the-art technology and equipment, investment in new and expanded facilities, as well as the addition of new clinical services. All of these investments mean more local care for generations to come and have a positive impact on everyone in our communities. We are thankful to all of the state and federal elected officials who worked over a span of years to make this possible. We are especially thankful to Senator Moran for the extraordinary efforts he undertook to ensure approval of funding for Kansas, proving he not only says he supports rural Kansas healthcare but will go to battle to protect rural Kansas hospitals."

Morton County Health System CEO Richard D. Adams:
"This is a landmark moment for rural health care in southwest Kansas. Thanks to Senator Moran's persistent advocacy securing critical language in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and seeing it through to CMS approval. Critical Access Hospitals like Morton County Health Systems will now have access to enhanced Medicaid reimbursements that our communities desperately need. The more than $72 million annually directed to Kansas CAHs and REHs isn't just a funding figure; it's what allows a hospital in Elkhart to keep its doors open, expand services, and continue caring for our neighbors. Senator Moran has been a true champion for rural Kansans, and Morton County is grateful to be represented by someone who fights this hard for communities like ours."

Minneola Healthcare CEO Debbie Bruner:
"We are incredibly grateful to Senator Jerry Moran and his staff for their unwavering commitment to rural healthcare and their continued efforts to advocate for Kansas hospitals. This approval by CMS is a significant lifeline for rural providers across our state and will help ensure hospitals like Minneola Healthcare can continue delivering high-quality acute and long-term care close to home. Enhanced Medicaid funding strengthens MHCs ability to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, invest in essential services, and maintain access to critical programs that our patients depend on every day. Senator Moran's leadership in securing these provisions demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges facing rural healthcare and a steadfast commitment to improving the health and well-being of Kansans. We appreciate his partnership and tireless work to protect the future of rural hospitals and the communities we serve."

Mercy Hospital - Moundridge Administrator Aaron Herbel:
"I want to express my appreciation for the dedication and time commitment Senator Moran and his staff have devoted to this effort on behalf of Kansas hospitals. As the CEO of a Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) in Kansas, the inclusion of CAHs and REHs in the state provider assessment program will result in additional funding to help our hospital close the gap that exists between the cost of providing care to Medicaid patients, and the current reimbursement. This funding will help ensure essential healthcare services can be delivered to patients in communities across the state."

Kiowa County Memorial Hospital Administrator Morgan Allison:
"We appreciate Senator Moran's continued support of rural healthcare. This funding recognizes the unique challenges that rural hospitals face and the important role we play in our communities. At Kiowa County Memorial Hospital, it means greater stability, more opportunities to enhance services, and the ability to continue providing compassionate, quality care close to home. This investment isn't just in hospitals-it's an investment in the people and communities we serve."

Holton Community Hospital CEO Carrie Lutz:
"We appreciate the efforts of Senator Moran and everyone who helped get the pre-print approved by CMS. For our Critical Access Hospital, this increase in Medicaid reimbursement for services provided is expected to generate just over $1 million in additional annual revenue. These resources will allow us to continue investing in the latest technology, equipment, and critical infrastructure needed to deliver high-quality care close to home. Strong rural hospitals are essential to strong rural communities. This approval demonstrates a commitment to preserving healthcare access in Kansas and provides important support that will benefit our patients, employees, and communities for years to come."

Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center CEO Wendy Brazil:
"The impact of these payments to local hospitals will be felt in emergency rooms that remain open, rural communities that can recruit new providers and health professionals, and the ability to invest in infrastructure and equipment. Behind every dollar is a patient-a mother receiving care in her hometown, a child seeing a local pediatrician, a senior managing a chronic condition, or an accident victim receiving life-saving treatment without having to travel hours for care. State Directed Payments help make these services possible. We appreciate Senator Moran's tireless efforts on behalf of Kansas hospitals. His support is so important to our ability to continue to provide high quality care to rural residents."

Greenwood County Hospital CEO Sandra Dickerson:
"Greenwood County Hospital, like many rural hospitals across Kansas, continues to face the challenges of declining reimbursement, rising costs, workforce pressures, and increasing demands for healthcare services. The provider tax program is a vital resource that helps provide financial stability and allows us to continue investing in our patients, our employees, and the services our community depends on. Sustainable funding is essential to the future of rural healthcare, and this program plays an important role in helping Greenwood County Hospital remain a strong and reliable healthcare resource for our region. We are grateful to the many individuals who worked to make this program possible and would especially like to thank Senator Jerry Moran for his leadership and continued support of this important effort. His advocacy helps strengthen access to healthcare for rural communities across Kansas."

Nemaha Valley Community Hospital CEO Kiley Floyd:
"For rural and safety-net hospitals in Kansas, including Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, the Provider Assessment is more than a financing tool; it helps protect access to care for the people and communities we serve every day. Providing healthcare close to home is expensive, and reimbursement continues to fall short of the true cost of care. For many rural providers, operating at a loss has become a reality, but it is not sustainable. The additional Medicaid funding generated through the assessment on eligible Kansas hospitals helps us maintain critical services such as emergency care, obstetrics, and behavioral health, while also supporting the overall health and economic strength of our communities. Kansas hospitals have worked together because we understand how much our communities depend on a stable healthcare system. This partnership helps reduce uncompensated care pressures and allows hospitals to reinvest in quality improvement, care coordination, and population health initiatives. We are proud of what has been accomplished collectively and sincerely appreciate the continued support of our Congressional leaders in helping preserve access to care for rural Kansans."

# # #